provided to researchers. Each biospecimen is assigned a unique code and every CHTN employee has signed an agreement to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. Also each employee is trained in human subjects, IRB and HIPAA issues/regulations. Each researcher must document review and approval by his/her IRB of the specific research proposed or submit a signed agreement form stipulating the terms and conditions for the use of the specimens. The researcher and his or her institutional official must also sign an agreement form indicating that they will use biospecimens only for the purposes specified in the application, that they agree not to attempt to obtain information identifying the individuals providing biospecimens to the CHTN and that they will not share the biospecimens with third parties. This approach is consistent with current OHRP guidance for tissue repositories. Investigators at institutions that DO NOT have an IRB may instead submit a fully executed copy of the CHTN Human Subjects Agreement with their application. This form is NOT intended to be utilized by investigators who do have access to a local IRB or use an external accredited IRB. See also Tumor Bank References External links Cancer organizations based in the United States Organizations established in 1987 Biobank organizations